Morgan Stanley's deputy head of investment banking exits: WSJ

(Reuters) - Morgan Stanley's deputy head of investment banking, Ji-Yeun Lee, has left the firm in recent weeks, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the company.

Lee was a key lieutenant to Paul Taubman, who previously co-headed the company's investment bank. Taubman stepped down late last year and his long-time rival Colm Kelleher took full control of the unit.

Lee declined to comment to the Journal on her future plans. (http://link.reuters.com/vum97t)

The newspaper also said Morgan Stanley has re-hired John Collins, a mergers and acquisitions banker, from Moelis & Co, appointing him to a newly created role of global operations officer for the investment banking business.

Morgan Stanley could not immediately be reached for comment by Reuters outside of regular U.S. business hours.